Chelsea clinched their second FIFA Club World Cup title with a dominant 3-0 victory over Paris Saint-Germain at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey on Sunday, July 13, 2025. Cole Palmer starred with two goals and an assist, leading the Blues to a historic win in the expanded 32-team edition of the tournament.

Palmer opened the scoring in the 22nd minute, capitalizing on a defensive error from Nuno Mendes to calmly slot the ball past PSG goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma. Just eight minutes later, he doubled Chelsea’s lead with a curling left-footed strike from the edge of the box after a smart pass from Levi Colwill. In the 43rd minute, Palmer turned provider, threading a perfect ball to Joao Pedro, who chipped Donnarumma to make it 3-0 before halftime.

Paris Saint-Germain, who had defeated Real Madrid 4-0 in the semi-final, were completely outclassed by Chelsea’s intensity and tactical discipline. Kylian Mbappé and Ousmane Dembélé found little space to operate, while the French side’s frustration boiled over in the 83rd minute when Joao Neves was sent off for pulling Marc Cucurella’s hair in an off-the-ball incident.

Chelsea’s midfield, anchored by Enzo Fernández and Moisés Caicedo, controlled the pace of the game, while the defense, marshaled by Axel Disasi and Levi Colwill, shut down PSG’s attacking options. Goalkeeper Robert Sánchez kept a clean sheet with a composed display, and manager Enzo Maresca’s game plan proved flawless in one of the club’s most complete performances in recent years.

The 3-0 scoreline secured Chelsea’s second Club World Cup crown and earned them a reported £93 million in prize money. Having also won the UEFA Conference League earlier this year, the Blues end the season with major international silverware and renewed optimism under Maresca. For PSG, the defeat exposed their vulnerabilities and left them seeking answers on the global stage.

Chelsea and Paris Saint-Germain will contest the FIFA Club World Cup Final on Sunday, July 13, 2025, at MetLife Stadium in New Jersey, marking the first all-European final under the expanded tournament format. PSG secured their place by comfortably defeating Real Madrid 4–0 in the semi-final, while Chelsea edged past Fluminense 2–0 to book their spot in the showpiece match.

Chelsea have shown strong resilience, winning six of their seven tournament matches and clinching victories over Benfica, Palmeiras, and Fluminense. PSG have been even more dominant, winning all but one match and conceding just one goal en route to the final. They notably overcame Real Madrid and Bayern Munich in the knockout stages with convincing displays.

Tactically, Chelsea are expected to line up in a disciplined 4-2-3-1 under Enzo Maresca, with emphasis on structure and counter-attacking through the flanks. PSG, coached by Luis Enrique, will likely adopt a fluid 4-3-3 system focused on controlling possession and exploiting high-press opportunities.

Projected starting XIs reflect this strategy. Chelsea may deploy Robert Sánchez in goal, a back four anchored by Chalobah and Adarabioyo, a midfield pivot of Fernández and Lavia (with Caicedo fit), and an attack led by Palmer, Nkunku, and João Pedro. PSG’s lineup is expected to feature Donnarumma, Hakimi, Marquinhos, Hernández, and Mendes at the back. Neves, Vitinha, and Ruiz should command the midfield, while Dembélé, Kvaratskhelia, and Doué are set to lead the front line.

Historically, the two clubs have met eight times in UEFA competitions. PSG hold a slight edge with three wins, Chelsea have two, and there have been three draws. With recent encounters trending towards parity, this final promises to be closely fought. However, PSG enter as clear favourites. Their strong form, defensive record, and attacking firepower have prompted predictions of a 2–1 or 3–1 win.

ACF Fiorentina have officially appointed Stefano Pioli as their new head coach following the surprising departure of Raffaele Palladino.

The experienced Italian manager, who previously led Serie A champions AC Milan and had a touring stint at Al-Nassr, returns to the club where he once played and managed.

Pioli has signed a three-year contract, marking his comeback to Fiorentina as they seek stability and renewed ambition in their post-Palladino era.

Pioli steps into a club undergoing significant transition with recent squad reshuffles and the need to recruit players suited to his preferred 4‑2‑3‑1 system.

Sporting director Daniele Pradè will face a busy summer market to shore up wingers, a creative midfielder, and striking backup, reflecting Pioli’s tactical demands and the club’s ambition to return to European competition.

Pioli’s return brings much-needed leadership and tactical acumen. Known for his pragmatic approach and ability to unite squads, he becomes the central figure in Fiorentina’s attempt to rebuild after a turbulent season.

His arrival is seen as a stabilizing influence and fans are hopeful his experience will help realign the club with its long-term goals.